Brownstoner's First Annual Salvage Fest
Many readers by now are aware of what big proponents we are of incorporating architectural salvage into renovations. We used salvaged flooring, marble and moldings all over our house and think it helped maintain the historic look and feel while saving a little money and doing something good for the environment. There are several great…
Many readers by now are aware of what big proponents we are of incorporating architectural salvage into renovations. We used salvaged flooring, marble and moldings all over our house and think it helped maintain the historic look and feel while saving a little money and doing something good for the environment. There are several great salvage dealers in the New York area but we suspect many people haven’t had a chance to go check them all out. So we decided to get them all together for a day in one place for something we’re calling Salvage Fest. On Saturday, September 8 (rain date: September 9), the folks from Moon River Chattel, Olde Good Things, Demolition Depot, Black Dog Salvage, Build It Green and Eddie’s will set up shop for the day in the playground at PS 11 in Clinton Hill (it’s the smaller lot on Washington between Gates and Greene); the publisher of the Architectural Salvage News will also have a table there. (There’s still room for a couple of more vendors if anyone’s interested.) We will also have a recycling station set up with Build It Green for people to drop off old building materials that are gathering dust in their cellars. We’d like to have some educational/demonstration components, too, so let us know your ideas. Lastly, to help the dealers decide what to bring, please use the comments section below to describe any items you’re looking for (from general things like victorian sconces to specific sizes and types of hardware.) This is a work-in-progress, so all ideas are welcome—as are any volunteers to help with set-up or recycling.
This is a much needed idea–a farmer’s market for home renovators. We are looking for salvaged marble that can be used for a kitchen countertop (preferably white). We don’t expect a vendor to haul large chunks of marble all the way to Brooklyn for this event, but if they have samples or pictures that would be really helpful. We would bring specs (sizes, etc.) and look forward to finding out who may have what we need.
Brenda,
I remember the “remember a place in CT called “the junkyard with a personality” very well. It was called United Housewreckers, in Stamford CT–a place that had some great stuff and was always entertaining to visit. I think they still have a newer indoor location, but their original multi-acre place has long since (I think) been replaced with office buildings.
FWIW most everything we bought there was a new repro–we just couldn’t find the right old stuff.
Fun! I may be able to volunteer.
Great idea! I’m looking forward to it. This should be fun.
I’m with Brenda on the prices. If salvage items, especially those with no particular provenance or pedigree, are ridiculously expensive – your event will be like going to an interesting museum. I know you can’t control what vendors sell their wares for, but if you have any influence at all, please get them to bring a mixture of goods at different price points. The lower, the better. They will sell like hotcakes, and maybe they will be able to sell a few high priced items as well.
What are your vendor spaces renting for, and what are your requirements? Will you have a table for other non profit organizations to leave flyers or information for upcoming events?
I meant cross streets are Greene Ave and Gates Ave.
P.S. 11 is on Washington Ave bordered by Greene Ave and Gates Ave.You can’t miss it. Only school on the block.
This IS a great idea. Should be interesting to compare Eddie’s prices to Olde Goode Things!!
I have a few radiators I’m looking to unload, and found leaving it in the front yard is a great way to dispose — somehow, people find their way to them.
The school is receiving a portion of what vendors are paying and Build It Green, a non-profit, will benefit from the proceeds of reselling the recycled building materials. If we’re lucky, we’ll make a few hundred bucks. It ain’t about the money, believe us.
Cool idea. Proceeds to benefit…? Assuming there’s a charity component since you’re asking for volunteers.